Continuously Injection with Diluted Heparin Solution via Catheter for Implantation of Totally Implantable Access Ports (TIAP)

Background: Totally implantable access ports (TIAP) could be done in two methods: puncture of subclavian vein and cephalic vein cutdown. Cephalic vein cutdown method has fewer complications but has higher failure rates. We present a method to decrease the failure rates. Methods: We use the continuously injection with diluted heparin solution via catheter while introducing the TIAP catheter into the cephalic vein. Results: From January 2005 to January 2009, 20 patients were performed. This method was successfully applied in 11 patients with no complications. The other 9 patients were unsuccessfully and further underwent guidewire assisted. Conclusions: Continuously injection with diluted heparin solution via catheter while inserting TIAP catheter into the cephalic vein is safe and simple. It could be used for difficulties of insertion of TIAP and increased the successful rates of cephalic vein cut-down method.